Margate with Paul Sanders & Clea Beasley, 18th to 21st March 2025

The Great British Seaside has been a popular holiday destination for generations of people during the summer months, whatever the weather. Out of season, these familiar resorts provide a treasure trove of evocative scenes and fascinating details.

Margate has been a popular holiday destination since the 18th century. It labels itself ‘The Original Seaside’ and the advertising around the town calls out that ‘There is more to Margate!’ The town has a rich history of entertainment, Dreamland the iconic amusement park and dance has recently been the star of ‘Empire of Light’ starring Olivia Coleman. The seafront is a wide-open space on one side you have the sandy beach with a seawater swimming pool, on the other amusement arcades and cafes. Taking shelter from the elements in the narrow streets of the old town reveals a quirky variety of architecture and shop fronts. If it is contemporary building The Turner Contemporary Gallery makes an excellent subject. Of course, it wouldn’t be right to not mention the artists Turner and Tracey Emin who both lived in the town, poet T.S Eliot was inspired by the Margate Sands while convalescing in the 1920’s. Margate is also home to no less than three sea pools which, even in the winter months, attracts swimmers taking the waters for their health and fitness.

Margate has the air of a down at heel town that inspires through curiosity; it is a gold mine for photographers.

Paul, Adrian and Clea will support you in seeking out and capturing the shabby, jaded beauty of our destination. After gathering words and images to reflect your authentic experience of the location, we will work together to create pages to fill a refined version of a hard cover stab bound book.

All materials needed for book making will be provided along with use of the necessary tools and equipment. Clea will also send you comprehensive set of written instructions and a list of suppliers after you attend the workshop(s).

You will be staying at Margate’s Walpole Bay Hotel and Museum on single occupancy B&B basis. You can reach Margate by train from London Victoria (1hr 50min). It's a 6 min taxi ride from station to hotel.

Accessibility

We will be walking to capture our images, there will be no minibus between locations.

Start and End timing

The workshop starts at 2pm on the first day and finishes at 4pm on the last to allow for travel and de-stress. The first session will involve personal introductions, introduction to the workshop and schedule, and an orientation walk without cameras, followed by an evening meal.

Good to know

No previous experience is needed, especially for the editing, printing and book making elements. Training and tools will be provided during the workshop.

You need to bring a computer for the editing and selection session. If you do not have a suitable computer, we may be able to loan one but please check with us before booking.

Please make sure you have suitable travel and equipment insurance.

Included

• Tuition by Paul Sanders, Adrian Beasley and Clea Beasley

• All paper, ink, book making materials and loan of tools

• Book making guide with recommended material suppliers

• 3-night accommodation on a single occupancy basis

• Breakfast, snack lunch and two-course evening meals are included.

Not Included

• Travel to and from the workshop

• Travel and equipment Insurance

• Computer and editing software

• Alcoholic drinks

Please note this course is booked through Adrian